Natural Resources Police To Mark 150 Years At Sandy Point Event

ANNAPOLIS, MD — From its origins watching oyster beds to its current range of tasks that include guarding fisheries, rescuing boaters in trouble and policing state parks, much has changed in the century and a half since the Maryland Natural Resources Police was founded. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites the public to a free open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.

The celebratory event, “Great Outdoors Maryland,” will showcase the missions of law enforcement agencies and affiliated conservation partners.

“We want to give residents and visitors the opportunity to see the many ways we all work together to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources,” Natural Resources Police Superintendent Col. Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler Jr. said in a news release. “In addition to commemorating our agency’s history, this event will provide an opportunity to share with the public who we are and what we do.”

The event will feature demonstrations and displays that highlight the history and mission of the Natural Resources Police, from its roots as the State Oyster Police Force in 1868 to the present day. Patrol boats from across the state will be at the park’s marina, along with Natural 1, the department helicopter. K-9 dogs, the tactical response team and dive unit will display the tools of their trade.

Other participating agencies include the U.S. Coast Guard, the State Fire Marshal’s bomb squad, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Baltimore County Police, the Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue Department and Queen Anne’s County first responders.

Participating conservation groups include: the Oyster Recovery Partnership, Coastal Conservation Association Maryland, the Humane Society of the United States and Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research.

Food trucks and other vendors will be on-site. The open house includes free admission to the park, says the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Photo of Sandy Point beach by Cpl. Bruns, Maryland Natural Resources Police